Short license plate – not everyone knows this trick!

Thomas Wachsmuth 9 December 2022 Test sites, laws, offenses, information

Reading time 5 Min.

Recently updated on October 25, 2023 at 12:24 am

[Update: 25.10.2023] This post was updatedto take more recent information into account. Short License-plates – who gets them? If you want a small license plate for your car, you must expect various conditions from the authorities. While motorcycle owners enjoy the luxury of multiple sizes, drivers come up against official requirements and conditions that must be met when making this wish. And you often simply come across listless employees in the licensing authorities who simply make decisions “based on face”. In principle, however, it can be said that the short license plate for the car is only possible in exceptional cases and if the requirements are adhered to.

Short license plate!

The registration authorities usually check meticulously whether a normal license plate can be attached. So simply install an American tailgate with a short recess from the scrap on the vehicle, it might be difficult if the vehicle doesn't have one import vehicle at a hunt.

If the smaller number plate is only to be attached for aesthetic reasons, although a normal number plate would fit, then the application is usually rejected outright. In any other case, too, if there is enough space for a normal-sized number plate, you are almost always unlucky. The assessment is based on the vehicle documents, an expert opinion and a visual inspection. Depending on the licensing district, however, the manner of granting can also vary.

What about Engschrift?

If there is not enough space for a normal license plate, the registration authority will decide whether it is possible to include the license plate Engschrift - possibly even with a combination of narrow and medium writing. In this case, however, there is no entitlement to a smaller sign.

changes to the vehicle

If the number plate in narrow letters is not feasible, then a check is made as to whether space can be created by making changes to the vehicle. The trick: The changes must not disproportionate effort necessary and they must also be technically feasible and permitted. In order to be able to obtain proof, you must Expert opinion submitted by an officially recognized expert. The appraisal must confirm that the conversion would amount to more than 5% of the current vehicle value (according to older case law it can also be 10%). If this is the case, the conversion is considered unreasonable.

So at best only calculate with new parts, professional painting and assembly in the specialist workshop. Then the percentage hurdle should be mastered. Unfortunately, the exceptions are often only relevant in the case of a smaller rear license plate for a multi-lane motor vehicle. All of this usually does not apply to motorcycles or a license plate on the front.

motorcycle license plate

Motorcycle license plates have been in the format since April 2011 180, 200 and 220 mm, with a height of 200 mm, available. Since then, old large motorcycle license plates can be replaced with smaller ones. The legislator wants to ensure that letter and number combinations that have already been assigned are retained. If you are willing to pay for the exchange, you can order the smaller copy. Narrow signs with a width of only 180 mm can contain a maximum of 2 numbers and 2 letters.

That means no more than 4 characters after the registration district. Longer combinations therefore require a license plate width of at least 220 mm. If you change a six-digit combination (after the location abbreviation), you get a new, shorter license plate combination. Why is that? The new number plates, which are 220 mm wide, only allow a maximum of 5 digits after the local abbreviation.

FAQ: Everything about short license plates for your vehicle

Introduction to the topic of “short license plates”

What is a short license plate? Aside from the 520 mm standard length license plate in Germany, there is short marks. These are smaller than 52 cm and the most common dimensions are 41 and 46 cm.

Technical details and regulations

How do I get a short license plate? Anyone who wants to exchange a license plate with six digits after the city code will receive one shorter license plate combination, as a maximum of five characters are possible after the location abbreviation on a 220 millimeter wide license plate.
What is the shortest license plate? The shortest license plate in Germany has dimensions smaller than 52 cm, Also 3D license plate are available in the short version.

How many characters does a short license plate have? A single-line license plate measures a maximum of 520 mm in width and 110 mm in height and may no more than eight characters include. A two-line license plate has a maximum width of 340 mm and a height of 200 mm, with up to five characters in the second line.
How small can a license plate be? A license plate for cars and trucks has a maximum width of 520 millimeters and a height of 110 millimeters.

Costs and reservations

Are short license plates more expensive? The reservation fees are uniform nationwide. To reserve a license plate of your choice 2,60 EUR on and when registering the vehicle are additional 10,20 EUR to be paid.

How do you get license plates with 1 number? For such a license plate you should contact them directly responsible licensing authority turn around. However, it is rare to get a license plate with only one digit, especially “1.”

Aesthetics and meaning

Why short license plates? Short license plates, such as “H-IJ 1”, are sought after because they sports look and signal an urban character. Longer license plates often indicate a more rural origin of the vehicle owner.